Laurens da Costa and Bryan Kuijer proudly represented the netherlands in the 2019 competition, a groundbreaking event that paired bartenders with baristas. Their challenge was to synergize their expertise and knowledge, crafting cocktails that seamlessly blended Licor 43 and coffee. This unique fusion drew inspiration from the widespread acclaim of the Carajillo in Mexico, showcasing the exquisite harmony between the sweet, delicately spiced vanilla notes of Licor 43 and the bold bitterness of coffee.

Having had the privilege of judging this global final for the second consecutive year, I was once again captivated by the convergence of skills between bartenders and baristas in their pursuit of flavor and balance. Elements such as dilution, fruitiness, bitterness, and sweetness play pivotal roles in both professions, and this competition serves as a platform to unite them. Bartenders and baristas from 13 different countries form teams, converging in Gran Canaria—a rare European locale with coffee plantations. Here, they bring forth their amalgamated skills, personalities, and cultures to craft Licor 43 coffee cocktails, engaging in a series of challenges to earn points.